Bill Overview
Title: Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2022
Description: This bill directs the Department of Commerce to designate at least seven entities as Ocean Innovation Clusters. Ocean Innovation Clusters are hubs of operation and entrepreneurship for private, public, and academic stakeholders to collaborate on opportunities to promote and enhance the maritime industry. In designating entities, Commerce shall prioritize entities with a history of supporting cross-sector growth and development of the Blue Economy. Additionally, Commerce must designate at least one Ocean Innovation Cluster in (1) each of the regions covered by the five regional offices of the National Marine Fisheries Service, (2) the Great Lakes region, and (3) the Gulf of Mexico region. Commerce may award competitive grants for the establishment, operation, and administration of Ocean Innovation Clusters.
Sponsors: Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals involved in or impacted by the maritime industry, particularly in regions with Ocean Innovation Clusters
Estimated Size: 2000000
- Ocean Innovation Clusters will bring together private, public, and academic stakeholders, impacting individuals across these sectors.
- The bill will influence the maritime industry stakeholders, including businesses, researchers, and educational entities involved in maritime innovation and sustainability.
- Regions with significant maritime activities, such as coastal regions, will see more direct impacts.
- Business opportunities and employment in the maritime and related fields in the Blue Economy are expected to grow.
- Residents in regions where Ocean Innovation Clusters are established may experience economic growth and development.
Reasoning
- Ocean Innovation Clusters will primarily affect those directly involved in maritime industries or connected ecosystems, including academic grants and corporate collaboration.
- The policy will be especially relevant in heavily maritime-dependent regions, such as the East and West Coasts, Alaska, the Gulf, and Great Lakes areas.
- Several interviews should reflect perspectives across sectors: private industry, academic, and public entities.
- Impact variance is expected, with direct involvement in clusters likely yielding higher benefits.
- Within-budget simulation considering both direct and spillover economic effects on surrounding communities.
- Some individuals will not see any impact due to geographic location or industry sector.
Simulated Interviews
Marine Biologist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The Ocean Innovation Clusters could provide much-needed funding for collaborative research projects.
- Increased connections with industry partners may bring innovations and new ecological solutions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Fisheries Manager (Boston, MA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Clusters may offer innovative solutions and technical advancements for sustainable practices.
- Collaboration is key to maintaining New England's rich fishing heritage amid environmental challenges.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Shipbuilding Executive (Duluth, MN)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased innovation could revitalize the Great Lakes shipping industry.
- Potential for new business models and practices, though success will depend on effective execution of cluster initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Policy Analyst (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Clusters should enhance the region's economic and ecological resilience through innovation.
- It's crucial to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Marine Engineer (Miami, FL)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The clusters are a fantastic opportunity for innovation and technology adoption.
- Long-term industry partnerships fostered by the clusters will enhance Florida's technology leadership in the maritime sector.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Oil and Gas Exploration Manager (Houston, TX)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Uncertainty whether clusters will impact oil-focused operations significantly.
- However, environmental enhancements might indirectly benefit operations by improving public perception.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Environmental Science Graduate Student (Anchorage, AK)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Clusters can provide research funding and will likely bring new partners interested in Arctic exploration and preservation.
- Collaborations could foster sustainable development practices in regional policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Port Authority Planner (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Clusters may introduce advanced tools for logistics efficiency and sustainability in ports.
- Positive effects anticipated for future planning and operational models.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
College Student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Clusters around the Great Lakes could lead to internships and job opportunities related to freshwater systems.
- A practical approach to solving water-related challenges is essential for career readiness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Savannah, GA)
Age: 49 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Clusters might provide opportunities for expanding service offerings and accessing new clientele through technical collaboration.
- Initial skepticism about resource distribution and local benefit emphasis.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 2: $95000000 (Low: $75000000, High: $115000000)
Year 3: $90000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $110000000)
Year 5: $85000000 (Low: $65000000, High: $105000000)
Year 10: $80000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $100000000)
Year 100: $80000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $100000000)
Key Considerations
- The success of Ocean Innovation Clusters depends on effective collaboration between designated clusters and stakeholders.
- Long-term viability requires sustainable funding and resource allocation from both public and private entities.
- Monitoring and evaluation must be established to assess cluster performance and economic impact over time.